A wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box

Abstract

The patent of this invention relates to the field of sand mold 3D printing equipment. Specifically, the invention is a wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box, which mainly includes establishing an internal local area network based on wireless transmission technology, through a wireless AP client and a server equipped with omnidirectional antennas, with the controllers at both ends as the core, to achieve synchronous and coordinated control of the work box motor drive system, data acquisition and exchange, and communication control functions between the work box and the equipment body; thereby solving the limitation that the work box is inconvenient to transport during on-track operation, simplifying the mechanical design cost, and greatly improving the online utilization rate and maintenance convenience of multiple machines and multiple boxes and single machine and multiple boxes in automated production line applications through the advantage of separating the work box from the machine body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of sand mold 3D printer control, and in particular to a wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box. Background Art

[0002] Traditional sand 3D printer workboxes usually rely on wired connections for data transmission and control, which limits the mobility and flexibility of the workboxes in the actual production process, increases the difficulty of operation and installation; it also brings inconvenience to the actual application of large-scale automatic production lines, and cannot achieve flexible transportation of the workboxes and automatic sand cleaning, and has great limitations in use. In particular, during the continuous production process of sand 3D printers, multiple workboxes can be realized to continuously operate and automatically detect, and cooperate with the host computer system to realize automatic sequencing of production tasks, thereby improving the online use efficiency of sand 3D printing equipment; at the same time, with the rapid development of Industry 4.0, the development of wireless communication technology has provided new solutions for the remote control and monitoring of sand 3D printers. Summary of the Invention

[0003] An embodiment of the present invention provides a wireless communication control method for a 3D printer workbox, which is used to solve the technical problems in the prior art of traditional sand mold 3D printer workboxes, such as the inability to realize off-machine operation, the inconvenience of box transportation, and the low production utilization rate of single-machine equipment. It realizes an automated production printing mode of a single sand mold 3D printer with multiple boxes or multiple machines with multiple boxes in a free circulation production line.

[0004] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions.

[0005] A wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box, comprising:

[0006] Wireless communication control of the 3D printer is performed by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna installed on one or more 3D printers and the server omnidirectional antenna installed on the server;

[0007] In the wireless communication control method for a 3D printer workbox, the 3D printer has a client PLC control module and an AP client module that are communicatively connected to each other. The AP client module is also communicatively connected to the client omnidirectional antenna. The 3D printer exchanges signals with the server through the AP client module.

[0008] The client omnidirectional antenna includes:

[0009] Multiple client first omnidirectional antennas; each client first omnidirectional antenna is directionally mounted on the working box of the 3D printer;

[0010] Multiple pairs of client-side second omnidirectional antennas are installed on both sides of the 3D printer's work box to broaden the transmit and receive bandwidth of the client-side omnidirectional antennas; each pair of client-side second omnidirectional antennas are oriented perpendicularly to each other;

[0011] The first omnidirectional antenna of the client and the second omnidirectional antenna of the client have mushroom-shaped antenna heads;

[0012] The 3D printer also has a signal amplifier; the client omnidirectional antennas are respectively arranged on both sides of the working box of the 3D printer; and the signal amplifiers are respectively connected to the client omnidirectional antennas and the AP client module for communication.

[0013] Preferably, the 3D printer further comprises a switch, a servo drive module and a servo motor; the switch is communicatively connected to the client PLC control module and the AP client module respectively, and the client PLC control module exchanges signals with the AP client module through the switch; the servo drive module and the servo motor are electrically connected to each other, and the servo drive module is also communicatively connected to the client PLC control module.

[0014] Preferably, the 3D printer further comprises a power control unit, which is electrically connected to the client PLC control module, the servo drive module, the AP client module and the switch respectively.

[0015] Preferably, wireless communication control of a 3D printer by means of signal interaction between a client omnidirectional antenna provided on a 3D printer and a server omnidirectional antenna provided on a server specifically includes:

[0016] S11. The 3D printer is started, and the work box of the 3D printer is driven into the printing chamber of the 3D printer by a mobile carrier;

[0017] S12. The work box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by means of the mobile carrier. The work box of the 3D printer and the fixed support are docked with each other, so that the work box of the 3D printer receives power through the self-contact power supply, and the client omnidirectional antenna and the server omnidirectional antenna are connected to each other in communication.

[0018] S13, the AP client module of the 3D printer receives the control command through the client omnidirectional antenna; the control command is sent by the server through the server omnidirectional antenna in the form of TCP / IP;

[0019] S14, the AP client module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the client PLC control module of the 3D printer through the internal communication protocol of the 3D printer;

[0020] S15, the client PLC control module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the servo drive module of the 3D printer;

[0021] S16. The servo drive module of the 3D printer drives the servo motor to execute the response motion control logic according to the control command, so that the servo motor drives the load.

[0022] Preferably, wireless communication control of the 3D printers by means of signal interaction between client omnidirectional antennas provided on at least one 3D printer and server omnidirectional antennas provided on the server specifically includes:

[0023] S21. Multiple 3D printers are activated, so that each 3D printer is connected to the central control center and the server via its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are arranged into multiple groups, each group is located in a different operating area, and each group has at least one 3D printer;

[0024] S22. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna. The IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is allocated by the server, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels.

[0025] S23. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own print task file via the client omnidirectional antenna; the print task file is sent by the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer. Alternatively, the print task file is sent by the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the server sends the print task file in batches;

[0026] S24. The AP client module of each 3D printer parses the received print task file, obtains print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer;

[0027] S25. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the work box of the corresponding 3D printer. If the online status of the work box of the 3D printer is good, the work box of the 3D printer is moved into the printing chamber of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier, and is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier. The work box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the work box of the 3D printer is connected to the power supply through the self-contact power supply.

[0028] S26. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the work box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the work box performs the printing job; during the printing job, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends printing progress information to the client;

[0029] S27: The client PLC control module of the 3D printer controls the mobile carrier to move out of the printing chamber of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the 3D printer sends information that the 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center;

[0030] S28. Repeat steps S26 and S27 multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

[0031] Preferably, the server also monitors the status of all channels in real time during the execution of steps S24 to S28. If the data transmission rate of the channel used by the server and one or more 3D printers is less than a first preset threshold, the server switches to other channels to connect to the one or more 3D printers.

[0032] Preferably, the AP client module of each 3D printer has a cache submodule; step S25 also includes: the AP client module of each 3D printer stores the received print task file in its own cache submodule, and if the data volume of the received print task file is greater than the second preset threshold, the received print task file is parsed.

[0033] Preferably, wireless communication control of the 3D printers by means of signal interaction between client omnidirectional antennas provided on at least one 3D printer and server omnidirectional antennas provided on the server specifically includes:

[0034] S31. Multiple 3D printers are activated, so that each 3D printer is connected to the central control center and the server via its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are arranged into multiple groups, each group is located in a different operating area, and each group has at least one 3D printer;

[0035] S32. The AP client module of each 3D printer performs a communication test with the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna, so that the server can identify the communication protocol types of all 3D printers and call the data conversion program to perform format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation on the print task file according to the identified communication protocol type of the 3D printer;

[0036] S33. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna. The IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is allocated by the server according to the corresponding communication protocol, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels.

[0037] S34. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own print task file via the client omnidirectional antenna; the print task file is sent by the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer. Alternatively, the print task file is sent by the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the server sends the print task file in batches;

[0038] S35. The AP client module of each 3D printer parses the received print task file, obtains print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer;

[0039] S36. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the work box of the corresponding 3D printer. If the online status of the work box of the 3D printer is good, the work box of the 3D printer is moved into the printing chamber of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier, and the work box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier. The work box of the 3D printer and the fixed support are docked with each other, so that the work box of the 3D printer is connected to the power supply through the self-contact power supply.

[0040] S37. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the work box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the work box performs the printing job; during the printing job, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends printing progress information to the client;

[0041] S38: The client PLC control module of the 3D printer controls the mobile carrier to move out of the printing chamber of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the 3D printer sends information that the 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center;

[0042] S39. Repeat steps S37 and S38 multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

[0043] Preferably, step S32 further includes:

[0044] The server checks the data integrity and correctness of the print task files that have undergone format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation;

[0045] Step S34 further includes:

[0046] The AP client module of each 3D printer detects the received print task file and sends a response message to the server through the client's omnidirectional antenna; the response message includes a transmission success message or a file error message;

[0047] The server monitors the status of data transmission in real time during the data transmission process of the print task file; if a transmission error occurs during the data transmission process, the server executes the first re-issuance procedure;

[0048] The server parses the received response information, and if the parsing result is file error information, executes the second resending procedure.

[0049] Preferably, the signal interaction is signal interaction in the same frequency band.

[0050] As can be seen from the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present invention described above, a major advantage of the method provided by the present invention is that it provides a method for wireless communication control of a sand mold 3D printer workbox. This method utilizes all-phase frequency-division time-sharing to transmit wireless signals. By reducing the signal transmission pulse width, workboxes located in different printing equipment compartments can transmit wireless communication signals without interfering with each other, thereby conserving spectrum resources for their respective wireless transmitters and ensuring stable and reliable communication. Another advantage of the present invention is that utilizing this method for wireless control of a sand mold 3D printer workbox reduces the cost of the equipment itself, particularly by simplifying the wiring between the workbox and the printer body, thereby improving installation efficiency. A third advantage of the present invention is that the transmission and reception time width during wireless communication transmission is less than 2ms, or the actual signal width is less than 1 / 10 of the action duration, allowing the wireless control devices of the same workbox to be used simultaneously without interfering with each other within the actual printing operation range. Furthermore, this time width significantly improves the accuracy of the workbox's movement during printing.

[0051] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the following description, will become apparent from the following description, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a control structure block diagram of a wireless communication control method for a sand mold 3D printer workbox provided by the present invention.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of two-way same-frequency wireless transmission in the prior art.

[0055] Figure 3 The figure is a schematic diagram of the side installation layout of a sand mold 3D printer according to a preferred embodiment of a wireless communication control method for a sand mold 3D printer work box provided by the present invention.

[0056] Figure 4 The figure is a schematic diagram of the front installation layout of a sand mold 3D printer according to a preferred embodiment of a wireless communication control method for a sand mold 3D printer work box provided by the present invention.

[0057] Figure 5 This is a control flow chart of a preferred embodiment of a wireless communication control method for a sand mold 3D printer workbox provided by the present invention.

[0058] In the picture:

[0059] 1-Switch; 2-Client PLC control module; 3-Client omnidirectional antenna; 4-Servo drive module;

[0060] 5-Load screw; 6-Servo motor; 7-Signal amplifier; 8-AP client module; 9-Power control unit;

[0061] 10-External operation buttons. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0063] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", "said" and "the" used herein may also include plural forms. It should be further understood that the term "comprising" used in the description of the present invention refers to the presence of the features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. It should be understood that when an element is "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it may be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or there may be intermediate elements. In addition, "connected" or "coupled" as used herein may include wireless connections or couplings. The term "and / or" used herein includes any unit and all combinations of one or more associated listed items.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art in the art to which this invention belongs. It should also be understood that terms such as those defined in common dictionaries should be understood to have meanings consistent with their meanings in the context of the prior art and, unless defined as such, will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense.

[0065] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, several specific embodiments will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, each embodiment does not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] See also Figure 1 The present invention provides a wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box, the execution process of which includes:

[0067] The 3D printers are controlled by wireless communication through signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna 3 provided on one or more 3D printers and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server.

[0068] The present invention provides a wireless communication control method for a sand mold 3D printer work box, which can realize the separation of the work box and the printer body for printing, thereby improving the online use efficiency of the printer body. Figure 1 As shown, in a preferred embodiment provided by the present invention, the wireless control method of the sand mold 3D printer workbox includes an AP (Access Point) server module, an AP client module 8, a client omnidirectional antenna 3, a server omnidirectional antenna, a signal amplifier 7, a server PLC control module, a client PLC control module 2, a switch 1, a servo drive module 4, a servo motor 6, a power control unit 9, and an external operation button 10.

[0069] like Figure 1As shown, in the actual sand mold printing process, in order to realize the automatic lifting of the printing platform, the work box uses the principle of wireless transmission technology. Figure 2 The communication protocol realizes the data control commands between the work box and the sand mold 3D printing equipment to exchange data information. When the server-side PLC control module issues a control command, it is connected to the AP server-side module through the body switch 1. The AP server-side module transmits control signals to the client omnidirectional antenna 3 through the connected server-side omnidirectional antenna at all times, and exchanges data information between the two parties.

[0070] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, the power control unit 9 is electrically connected to the AP client module 8 , the client PLC control module 2 , the switch 1 , and the servo drive module 4 , so that each module is provided with corresponding control voltage and power voltage through the power control unit 9 .

[0071] Currently, traditional wireless communication control methods are susceptible to environmental interference, such as electromagnetic interference and signal attenuation, which can lead to data transmission interruptions or errors. The 3D printer's surroundings (such as the printer's structure and abrasive materials) can shield or interfere with the wireless signal, thereby affecting communication quality. In particular, the printing process requires the transmission of large amounts of print data to the sandbox, including model files and printing process parameters. Bandwidth limitations of wireless communication can affect data transmission speeds, resulting in slower printing speeds or reduced print quality. Delays can also lead to reduced printing accuracy or even print failures (e.g., uneven height differences between product layers and uneven printing).

[0072] In view of this, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the client omnidirectional antenna 3 includes a first client omnidirectional antenna and a second client omnidirectional antenna. The first client omnidirectional antennas are installed in a point-to-point, directional manner. For example, each first client omnidirectional antenna is assigned a fixed transceiver area. This provides targeted coverage in directions subject to electromagnetic interference or signal attenuation, eliminating communication interruptions. Multiple first client omnidirectional antennas can be installed, and their specific location can be tailored to the 3D printer's location and electromagnetic environment.

[0073] Multiple pairs of client-side secondary omnidirectional antennas, mounted on either side of the 3D printer's workbox, enhance and broaden the overall transmit and receive bandwidth of the client-side omnidirectional antennas 3, effectively eliminating communication issues such as delays and interruptions in the surrounding environment. Each pair of client-side secondary omnidirectional antennas is oriented perpendicularly to each other, shortening the transmission distance between the two antennas and ensuring data quality.

[0074] In these embodiments, the first omnidirectional antenna and the second omnidirectional antenna of the client have mushroom-shaped antenna heads. The curved end faces of the antenna heads enhance the signal transmission spectrum and signal scattering range, and the power communication channel preferably uses a 5G channel.

[0075] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 、 Figure 3 The client omnidirectional antenna 3 is connected to the signal amplifier 7 to transmit the received signal to the AP client module 8 and transmits it to the client PLC control module 2 through the switch 1 using the TCP / IP communication protocol for data exchange and control.

[0076] After receiving the signal, the client PLC control module 2 sends a control command to the servo drive module 4 to execute the corresponding motion control command.

[0077] like Figure 1 、 Figure 3 As shown, the servo drive modules 4 on either side of the workbox are connected to the servo motors 6 on either side of the workbox via cables. The power provided by the power control unit 9 drives the servo motors 6 on either side of the workbox to rotate. The servo motors 6 on either side of the workbox are connected to the load screws 5 to perform rotational displacement, ultimately achieving synchronous vertical movement control of the platform inside the workbox.

[0078] like Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, in order to realize manual operation of the work box when it leaves the machine body, an external operation button 10 is installed on the work box and connected to the connection port of the client PLC control module 2 through a cable. After printing is completed, the operator can use the external operation button 10 to facilitate the up and down movement operation.

[0079] like Figure 5 As shown, in order to realize the manual / automatic operation of the working box, follow Figure 5 The control logic block diagram described in the figure can realize all fully automatic control actions of the entire work box during the printing process and manual operations after leaving the machine. For example, in one feasible embodiment, the automatic mode can be executed using the following process:

[0080] S11, the 3D printer is started and receives a printing job, and the work box of the 3D printer is driven into the printing cabin of the 3D printer by the AGV;

[0081] S12. The work box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by an AGV (mobile guide vehicle / robot). The work box of the 3D printer and the fixed support are docked with each other, so that the work box of the 3D printer is connected to power through a self-contact power supply, and the client omnidirectional antenna 3 and the server omnidirectional antenna are connected to each other.

[0082] S13, the AP client module 8 of the 3D printer receives the control command through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; the control command is sent by the server through the server omnidirectional antenna in the form of TCP / IP;

[0083] S14, the AP client module 8 of the 3D printer sends the control command to the client PLC control module 2 of the 3D printer;

[0084] S15, the client PLC control module 2 of the 3D printer sends the control command to the servo drive module 4 of the 3D printer through the specific internal communication protocol of the 3D printer;

[0085] S16 , the servo drive module 4 of the 3D printer drives the servo motor 6 to execute the response motion control logic according to the control command, so that the servo motor 6 drives the load.

[0086] The above process preferably uses a 3D printer for remote printing. In some production activities, multiple 3D printers are needed for printing. Therefore, in another feasible embodiment, the following process is used for remote control:

[0087] S21. Multiple 3D printers are activated, so that each 3D printer communicates with the central control center and the server via its own client omnidirectional antenna 3. The multiple 3D printers are arranged into multiple groups, each group is located in a different operating area, and each group has at least one 3D printer.

[0088] S22: The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer receives its own IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna 3. The IP address of the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer is allocated by the server, so that the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels.

[0089] S23. Each 3D printer's AP client module 8 receives its own print task file via the client's omnidirectional antenna 3. The print task file is sent by the server to the central control center, which then distributes the print task file to each 3D printer's AP client module 8. Alternatively, the print task file is sent by the server to each 3D printer's AP client module 8. The server sends the print task files in batches.

[0090] S24 , the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer parses the received print task file, obtains print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer.

[0091] S25. The client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer detects the online status of the work box of the corresponding 3D printer. If the online status of the work box of the 3D printer is good, the work box of the 3D printer is driven into the printing cabin of the 3D printer by the AGV, and the work box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by the AGV. The work box of the 3D printer and the fixed support are docked with each other, so that the work box of the 3D printer is connected to the power supply through the self-contact power supply.

[0092] S26: The AP client module 8 of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address and then sends the print task data to the work box through the client PLC control module 2 of the certain 3D printer, so that the work box performs the print job. During the print job, the AP client module 8 of the certain 3D printer sends print progress information to the client.

[0093] S27. The client PLC control module 2 of the certain 3D printer controls the AGV to drive out of the printing cabin of the 3D printer, and the AP client module 8 of the certain 3D printer sends information that the certain 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center.

[0094] S28. Repeat steps S26 and S27 multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

[0095] In step S22, each 3D printer is assigned a specific IP address. This addresses the potential for signal interference when multiple sand mold 3D printers are operating simultaneously in the same workshop using traditional wireless communication methods. Therefore, during multi-machine operation, different AP client modules 8 are assigned appropriate IP addresses, and each AP client module 8 is configured with an independent fixed communication channel and independent communication rate to effectively prevent signal interference.

[0096] In step S23, the server sends print task files in batches to address the issue found in production practice where traditional data and graphic print file transfer methods rely on USB flash drives to import files. This is cumbersome and requires a single import per device, which can lead to file import errors, particularly when coordinating multiple machines. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, batch distribution is used to implement a one-click import function, simplifying the data file import process and preventing file import errors.

[0097] On the other hand, in some feasible embodiments of step S23, a central control center, such as a master controller, can be set up within the workshop / factory where the 3D printers are located. This center is responsible for monitoring the status of all 3D printers in the workshop, collecting data, distributing print job files to the corresponding groups of 3D printers, and coordinating the various groups of 3D printers. Alternatively, these tasks can be handled by a server.

[0098] In production, high-precision printing requires a stable network. Wireless communication delays can affect print quality. In an improved embodiment of the present invention, steps S24 to S28 also include the following process: The server monitors and stores the status of all channels in real time, effectively maintaining a global understanding of the network status. If the data transmission rate of the channel used by the server and one or more 3D printers falls below a first preset threshold, the server switches to another channel to connect to the one or more 3D printers.

[0099] In this embodiment, since there may be a small delay when switching channels, data transmission preferably adopts a method of power-off resuming and supporting data caching. For example, the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer has a cache submodule. During the execution of step S25, the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer stores the received print task file in its own cache submodule. If the data volume of the received print task file is greater than the second preset threshold, the received print task file is parsed. In this way, even if a certain network delay is encountered, the cached data can be used to ensure the data transmission requirements required for high-precision printing. After the channel switching is completed, the server can also adopt a control method of temporarily increasing the data transmission rate of the new channel.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, the server includes a server PLC control module and an AP server module that are communicatively connected to each other. The AP server module is communicatively connected to the server omnidirectional antenna. The server PLC control module is also communicatively connected to the host.

[0101] In the preferred embodiment provided by the present invention, a firewall is built into the server side and the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer to prevent data leakage and defend against network attacks.

[0102] In production activities, some printing devices from different manufacturers have different built-in communication protocols. In order to solve the communication incompatibility problem that occurs when using printing devices from different manufacturers at the same time, the present invention also provides a corresponding improved embodiment. The basic process is as follows:

[0103] 1. Device connection and protocol identification stage

[0104] Upon startup, the program first checks the connection status with other manufacturers' printing devices. If the device is a network device, the program attempts to establish a TCP / IP connection. During the connection process, the program sends specific query commands and identifies the communication protocol used by the device based on its response. For example, a simple "HELLO" command can be used to determine the protocol type based on the specific identification information returned by the device.

[0105] 2. Data preparation and conversion stage

[0106] A non-manufacturer's printing device sends communication data to a single-device PLC. Upon receiving the data, the single-device PLC calls a data conversion program to convert the data format and encoding based on the recognized printing device protocol and format requirements. During the conversion process, the program checks the data's integrity and correctness to ensure that the converted data meets the printing device's requirements.

[0107] 3. Data transmission phase

[0108] The converted data is then sent to the printing device via the appropriate communication protocol. During transmission, the program uses a protocol parser to encapsulate and transmit the data, ensuring it is transmitted in the correct protocol format. The program also monitors the data transmission status, such as packet loss and confirmation from the device. If a transmission error occurs, the error handler intervenes and takes appropriate action.

[0109] 4. Device response processing stage

[0110] After receiving data, the printing device returns a corresponding response. The program uses a protocol parser to parse the device's response and determine whether the data was successfully received and processed. If the device returns an error message, the error handler takes appropriate action based on the error type, such as resending the data or prompting the user to check the device.

[0111] 5. End of communication phase

[0112] When the print job is completed or an unresolvable error occurs, the program terminates communication with the print device. Before terminating communication, the program performs necessary cleanup tasks, such as closing the connection and releasing resources.

[0113] In a feasible embodiment, the specific implementation process is as follows:

[0114] S31. Multiple 3D printers are activated, so that each 3D printer is connected to the central control center and the server via its own client omnidirectional antenna 3; the multiple 3D printers are arranged into multiple groups, each group is located in a different operating area, and each group has at least one 3D printer;

[0115] S32: The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer performs a communication test with the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna 3, so that the server can identify the communication protocol types of all 3D printers and call a data conversion program to perform format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation on the print task file based on the identified communication protocol type of the 3D printer (including protocol types that are the same as the server's default communication protocol, as well as different types);

[0116] S33, the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer receives its own IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; the IP address of the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer is allocated by the server according to the corresponding communication protocol, so that the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer transmits data with the server through different channels;

[0117] S34. The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer receives its own print task file through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; the print task file is sent by the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer. Alternatively, the print task file is sent by the server to the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer; the server sends the print task file in batches;

[0118] S35, the AP client module 8 of each 3D printer parses the received print task file, obtains the print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer;

[0119] S36. The client PLC control module 2 of each 3D printer detects the online status of the work box of the corresponding 3D printer. If the online status of the work box of the 3D printer is good, the work box of the 3D printer is moved into the printing chamber of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier, and is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier. The work box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the work box of the 3D printer is connected to the power supply through the self-contact power supply.

[0120] S37: The AP client module 8 of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the work box through the client PLC control module 2 of the certain 3D printer, so that the work box performs the printing job; during the printing job, the AP client module 8 of the certain 3D printer sends the printing progress information to the client;

[0121] S38: The client PLC control module 2 of the 3D printer controls the mobile carrier to move out of the printing chamber of the 3D printer, and the AP client module 8 of the 3D printer sends information that the 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center;

[0122] S39. Repeat steps S37 and S38 multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

[0123] Wherein, step S32 further includes:

[0124] The server checks the data integrity and correctness of the print task files that have undergone format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation;

[0125] Step S34 further includes:

[0126] The AP client module 8 of each 3D printer detects the received print task file and sends a response message to the server through the client omnidirectional antenna 3; the response message includes a transmission success message or a file error message;

[0127] The server monitors the status of data transmission in real time during the data transmission process of the print task file; if a transmission error occurs during the data transmission process, the server executes the first re-issuance procedure;

[0128] The server parses the received response information, and if the parsing result is file error information, executes the second resending procedure.

[0129] The first retransmission procedure is a retransmission process, which is based on the breakpoint retransmission and is sent according to the node where the transmission error occurs. The second retransmission procedure is to resend the entire file.

[0130] In summary, the present invention provides a method for wireless communication control of a 3D printer workbox, which wirelessly controls the 3D printer through signal exchange between a client-side omnidirectional antenna 3 provided on the 3D printer and a server-side omnidirectional antenna provided on the server. The method provided by the present invention enables remote operation of the sand mold 3D printing equipment and the printing workbox without requiring traditional cable connections, thus overcoming the limitation of the workbox's inconvenient transport when operating on rails. This facilitates the freedom of workbox operation, simplifies mechanical design costs, significantly increases the operational utilization of the sand mold equipment, and facilitates improved flexibility and integration in automated production lines.

[0131] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic diagrams of an embodiment, and the modules or processes in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily required to implement the present invention.

[0132] From the above description of the embodiments, it is clear that those skilled in the art will clearly understand that the present invention can be implemented using software and a necessary general-purpose hardware platform. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the portion that contributes to the prior art, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product can be stored in a storage medium such as ROM / RAM, a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, and includes instructions for enabling a computer device (such as a personal computer, server, or network device) to execute the methods described in various embodiments of the present invention, or portions thereof.

[0133] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. In particular, for the device or system embodiments, since they are basically similar to the method embodiments, the description is relatively simple. For the relevant parts, refer to the partial description of the method embodiments. The device and system embodiments described above are merely schematic, wherein the units described as separate components may or may not be physically separated, and the components displayed as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place, or they may be distributed on multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected according to actual needs to achieve the purpose of the scheme of this embodiment. A person of ordinary skill in the art can understand and implement it without making any creative efforts.

[0134] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be based on the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box, characterized in that: include: Wireless communication control of the 3D printer is performed by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna installed on one or more 3D printers and the server omnidirectional antenna installed on the server; In the wireless communication control method for a 3D printer workbox, the 3D printer comprises a client PLC control module and an AP client module that are communicatively connected to each other, and the AP client module is also communicatively connected to the client omnidirectional antenna; The 3D printer exchanges signals with the server through the AP client module; The client omnidirectional antenna includes: Multiple client first omnidirectional antennas; each of the client first omnidirectional antennas is directionally mounted on the working box of the 3D printer; Multiple pairs of client-side second omnidirectional antennas are installed on both sides of the 3D printer's work box to broaden the transceiver bandwidth of the client-side omnidirectional antennas; each pair of the client-side second omnidirectional antennas are in a mutually perpendicular irradiation posture; The first omnidirectional antenna of the client and the second omnidirectional antenna of the client have mushroom-shaped antenna heads; The 3D printer also has a signal amplifier; the client omnidirectional antenna is respectively arranged on both sides of the working box of the 3D printer; the signal amplifier is respectively connected to the client omnidirectional antenna and the AP client module; The 3D printer further comprises a switch, a servo drive module, and a servo motor; the switch is communicatively connected to the client PLC control module and the AP client module, respectively, and the client PLC control module exchanges signals with the AP client module via the switch; the servo drive module and the servo motor are electrically connected to each other, and the servo drive module is also communicatively connected to the client PLC control module; The 3D printer further includes a power control unit, which is electrically connected to the client PLC control module, the servo drive module, the AP client module, and the switch respectively; The wireless communication control of the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antenna provided on a 3D printer and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server specifically includes: S11. The 3D printer is started, and the work box of the 3D printer is driven into the printing chamber of the 3D printer by a mobile carrier; S12. The work box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by means of a mobile carrier. The work box of the 3D printer and the fixed support are docked with each other, so that the work box of the 3D printer receives power through a self-contact power supply, and the client omnidirectional antenna and the server omnidirectional antenna are in communication connection with each other. S13, the AP client module of the 3D printer receives the control command through the client omnidirectional antenna; the control command is sent by the server through the server omnidirectional antenna in the form of TCP / IP; S14, the AP client module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the client PLC control module of the 3D printer through the internal communication protocol of the 3D printer; S15, the client PLC control module of the 3D printer sends the control command to the servo drive module of the 3D printer; S16. The servo drive module of the 3D printer drives the servo motor to execute the response motion control logic according to the control command, so that the servo motor drives the load; The wireless communication control of the 3D printer by means of signal interaction between the client omnidirectional antennas provided on one or more 3D printers and the server omnidirectional antenna provided on the server specifically includes the following steps S21 to S28, or S31 to S39: S21. Multiple 3D printers are activated, so that each 3D printer is connected to the central control center and the server via its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are arranged into multiple groups, each group is located in a different operating area, and each group has at least one 3D printer; S22. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna. The IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is allocated by the server, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer transmits data to the server through different channels. S23, the AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own printing task file through the client omnidirectional antenna; The process of sending the print task file is any one of the following execution processes: the print task file is sent by the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the print task file is sent by the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; The server sends print task files in batches; S24. The AP client module of each 3D printer parses the received print task file, obtains print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer; S25. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the work box of the corresponding 3D printer. If the online status of the work box of the 3D printer is good, the work box of the 3D printer is moved into the printing chamber of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier, and is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier. The work box of the 3D printer is docked with the fixed support, so that the work box of the 3D printer is connected to the power supply through the self-contact power supply. S26. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the work box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the work box performs the printing job; during the printing job, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends printing progress information to the client; S27: The client PLC control module of the 3D printer controls the mobile carrier to move out of the printing chamber of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the 3D printer sends information that the 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center; S28, repeatedly executing step S26 and step S27 multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task; S31. Multiple 3D printers are activated, so that each 3D printer is connected to the central control center and the server via its own client omnidirectional antenna; the multiple 3D printers are arranged into multiple groups, each group is located in a different operating area, and each group has at least one 3D printer; S32. The AP client module of each 3D printer performs a communication test with the server through its own client omnidirectional antenna, so that the server can identify the communication protocol types of all 3D printers and call the data conversion program to perform format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation on the print task file according to the identified communication protocol type of the 3D printer; S33. The AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own IP address through the client omnidirectional antenna. The IP address of the AP client module of each 3D printer is allocated by the server according to the corresponding communication protocol, so that the AP client module of each 3D printer transmits data with the server through different channels. S34, the AP client module of each 3D printer receives its own printing task file through the client omnidirectional antenna; The process of sending the print task file is any one of the following execution processes: the print task file is sent by the server to the central control center, and then the central control center distributes the print task file to the AP client module of each 3D printer; the print task file is sent by the server to the AP client module of each 3D printer; The server sends print task files in batches; S35. The AP client module of each 3D printer parses the received print task file, obtains print task data, and sends it to the client PLC control module of each 3D printer; S36. The client PLC control module of each 3D printer detects the online status of the work box of the corresponding 3D printer. If the online status of the work box of the 3D printer is good, the work box of the 3D printer is moved into the printing chamber of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier, and the work box of the 3D printer is lowered to the fixed support of the 3D printer by the mobile carrier. The work box of the 3D printer and the fixed support are docked with each other, so that the work box of the 3D printer is connected to the power supply through the self-contact power supply. S37. The AP client module of a certain 3D printer verifies the assigned IP address, and then sends the print task data to the work box through the client PLC control module of the certain 3D printer, so that the work box performs the printing job; during the printing job, the AP client module of the certain 3D printer sends printing progress information to the client; S38: The client PLC control module of the 3D printer controls the mobile carrier to move out of the printing chamber of the 3D printer, and the AP client module of the 3D printer sends information that the 3D printer has completed the printing task to the client and the central control center; S39. Repeat steps S37 and S38 multiple times, so that the server receives information that all 3D printers have completed the printing task.

2. The 3D printer work box wireless communication control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The method further includes: during the execution of steps S24 to S28, the server monitors the status of all channels in real time; if the data transmission rate of the channel used by the server and the one or more 3D printers is less than a first preset threshold, the server switches to other channels to connect to the one or more 3D printers.

3. The wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box according to claim 2, characterized in that: The AP client module of each 3D printer has a cache submodule; step S25 also includes: the AP client module of each 3D printer stores the received print task file in its own cache submodule, and if the data volume of the received print task file is greater than the second preset threshold, the received print task file is parsed.

4. The wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box according to claim 1, characterized in that: Step S32 further includes: The server checks the data integrity and correctness of the print task files that have undergone format conversion, encoding conversion, and data encapsulation; Step S34 further includes: The AP client module of each 3D printer detects the received print task file and sends a response message to the server through the client's omnidirectional antenna; the response message includes either a transmission success message or a file error message; The server monitors the status of data transmission in real time during the data transmission process of the print task file; if a transmission error occurs during the data transmission process, the server executes the first re-issuance procedure; The server parses the received response information, and if the parsing result is file error information, executes the second resending procedure.

5. The wireless communication control method for a 3D printer work box according to claim 1, characterized in that: The signal interaction is the signal interaction in the same frequency band.

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